A legal practitioner and civil rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Nigerian Senate to discipline the Senator representing Ebonyi North in the National Assembly, Onyekachi Nwebonyi if the Upper Legislative Chamber should retain any integrity.

He was reacting to the viral footage of the altercation between the Senator and a former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili during a hearing of the Senate Committee about the conduct of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Ejiofor, Lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a statement said that Senator Nwebonyi’s prejudice against Natasha is so profound that he should be disqualified from participating in any findings, deliberations, or inquiries on the subject matter, given his publicly stated position on it.

He said, “I watched with profound disappointment the now-viral footage of Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, engaging in an appalling display of verbal assault and unruly conduct towards the esteemed former Minister of Education, Madam Oby Ezekwesili – widely respected as Madam Due Process – during a Senate Committee hearing.

“This deplorable behaviour is not only disgraceful but also emblematic of deeper moral decay, unchecked impunity, and a blatant disregard for decorum and human dignity. No public official, let alone a Senator entrusted with legislative responsibilities, should demean the office they occupy with such conduct.

“In a society where accountability prevails, Senator Nwebonyi would already be facing serious disciplinary consequences, including suspension. How did we get here? Posterity must hold them accountable someday. I call upon the leadership of the Senate to take swift and decisive action against this gross misconduct.

“Senator Nwebonyi’s prejudice against Natasha is so profound that he should be disqualified from participating in any findings, deliberations, or inquiries on the subject matter, given his publicly stated position on it.

“However, such unbecoming behaviour must not be tolerated or excused under any circumstances. Thankfully, a distinguished colleague of his rightfully observed that they are in the Senate, not in the market. This is horrible indeed!

“The unwarranted outburst is not only condemnable but has also succeeded in bringing the institution of the Senate into disrepute. If the Senate still retains any integrity, it is at stake, and failure to address this transgression would set a dangerous precedent – further emboldening the erosion of civility and respect within the hallowed chambers of the legislature.

“In contrast, I commend Madam Due Process for her dignified and exemplary composure in the face of this unwarranted attack. She has, once again, demonstrated the strength of character, intelligence, and poise that make her a model of leadership and statesmanship. Her ability to maintain grace under fire serves as an enduring lesson in decorum and resilience.

“The Senate must rise to the occasion and ensure that this culture of impunity is confronted head-on. The Nigerian people deserve a legislature that upholds the values of respect, integrity, and accountability.

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) and the Kaduna State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) have paid condolence visits to Jacob Onjewu Dickson, an editor at New Nigerian Newspapers, following the passing of his elder sister, Roseline Dickson.

MBF spokesman Comrade Luka Binniyat, who led the delegation on Tuesday, described the loss as tragic, offering prayers for the repose of the deceased’s soul.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and pray that God grants them strength in this difficult time,” he said.

On the same day, the leadership of SWAN, led by Chairman Comrade Shehu Abdullahi and Vice Chairman Okpani Mike Odeh, also visited Dickson to express their sympathies. Addressing the gathering, Abdullahi reaffirmed the association’s solidarity.

“We are here to stand with Comrade Jacob Onjewu Dickson in this moment of grief. We know that God is faithful, and we pray for the peaceful repose of his sister’s soul,” he said.

Vice Chairman Odeh emphasized the emotional weight of losing a sibling, describing it as a painful experience. “She passed away at her prime, and we deeply feel the loss.

However, death is an inevitable part of life. Comrade Dickson should take solace in the fact that he is not alone; SWAN stands by him, offering all the necessary support,” he added.

Expressing his gratitude, Dickson said he was moved by the show of solidarity. “This visit has further strengthened me. I am truly grateful for this support. Tentatively, the burial will take place a week before Easter,” he said.

Among those present were SWAN Assistant Secretary Comrade Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Treasurer Juliet Ekwenugo, and Yakubu Obande. Amina Anebi Samuel was also in attendance.

Roseline Dickson, an Abuja-based businesswoman, passed away on March 22 at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi. Her burial is scheduled to take place at the family compound in Agboke-Oglewu, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State next month.

The house of representatives has resolved to investigate the N1.1 trillion Sukuk road projects from 2017 to 2024.

The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution during the plenary on Wednesday following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Gaza Gbefwi, a lawmaker from Nasarawa.

The investigation aims to uncover and identify “instances of diversion, inflation, or contractor non-compliance” in the execution of the road projects.

While moving the motion, Gbefwi said a report by the Debt Management Office (DMO) shows it raised over N1.1 trillion through six sovereign Sukuk issuances to finance 124 federal road projects spanning 5,820 kilometres across the six geopolitical zones.

The lawmaker highlighted the breakdown of Sukuk financing as follows: N100 billion in 2017, N100 billion in 2018, N162.557 billion in 2020, N250 billion in 2021, N130 billion in 2022, and N350 billion in 2023.

He said reports suggest that an additional N150 billion was issued in October 2023, bringing the cumulative total to approximately N1.242 trillion by the end of 2024.

“Despite this significant investment, Nigeria’s road infrastructure remains in a deplorable state, with over 70 percent of the country’s 200,000-kilometer road network still unpaved, as noted by S&P Global Ratings in January 2024,” he said.

“Without robust accountability mechanisms, the Sukuk programme risks becoming a conduit for mismanagement or corruption.”

The motion was adopted when it was subjected to a voice vote by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, who presided over the plenary.

Consequently, the house mandated the committee on works to conduct a “forensic probe” into the allocation, expenditure, and outcomes of the N1.242 trillion Sukuk fund.

The parliament also directed the federal ministry of works to provide detailed records of all Sukuk-funded projects, including financial disbursements, project statuses, and updated contractors’ performance.